Vol. 572 No. 3
383 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children his legislative proposals designed to give effect to the health service reform programme; the number of Bills which will be required; the preparation which has taken place; the stage the Bills are at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23262/03]
The proposed reform programme in the health sector affects almost every aspect of the system, both in terms of structures and in terms of governance, accountability, planning, monitoring and evaluation. It has implications for every organisation in the system and there will, in some cases, be new structures. This will require a fundamental reform of the existing statutory provisions in relation to the roles, functions, organisation structure and management of the health system.
In line with the Department's approach on the reform programme, an action project has been established to prepare this legislation, which will provide the statutory basis for the establishment of the new agencies, in line with the Government decision regarding the implementation of the Brennan and Prospectus reports' recommendations. The legislation will also incorporate any other consequential changes which may be necessary to give effect to the reformed health system. It will also incorporate legislative proposals arising from the other action projects. I envisage that I will be in a position to introduce the necessary legislation next year.
